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"We were supported by councillor Kath Banks, MP Jack Brereton, Stoke City Community Trust and Sport England in securing this facility. It was a really quick turn around, we won the bid in April and by October the pitch was ready.

"It can be used for a range of sports. It can hold three nine-a-side football matches, you can play hockey on there and it can be used out of school hours by community groups.

The new facility cost £800,000

"The students absolutely love it, they use it before school, during break and it's much better for our PE lessons."

Sixth Form student Joshua Goodwin leads a lunch time sports club at the school.

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The 17-year-old said: "It's good for the children because it provides an area for them to get involved in sports and it also gives people in the wider community a place where they can come and have a game of football.

"It's a really big area, we're no longer restricted to one little bit. Before it was just red ash so we never went on it and if you did it would hurt so we never used it."

And Year 7 pupil Wen Xiao, aged 12, said: "It's really fun to play on. I like the surface, whereas before it was just a bit of land. This is much better.

"We've already played rugby on it and I play football on there at lunch times because there's a lot more room."

Potters manager Rowett formally opened the school's new artificial football pitch.

“It’s a real pleasure come down and see the tremendous facilities on offer to the youngsters here,” he said, “and I am sure they will make full use of them for many years to come.”